Have you ever heard of a church named after a tax collector? The Zachäuskirche, standing before you, is such a church. It’s a place of worship that honors a man known for his wealth and dubious reputation.
The Zachäuskirche is a relatively young church, built in the 1950s after the devastation of World War II. It was originally just known as the Evangelical Church of Gröbenzell. But in 1976, 20 years after it was built, the church was given the name “Zachäuskirche.” That name was chosen to honor a figure from the Bible, a man who had a change of heart and became a follower of Jesus. Zachäus was hated by many because he was a tax collector. He was seen as someone who exploited people for his own gain. The story of Zachäus is one of redemption and forgiveness. The idea behind naming this new church for Zachäus was that the church could be a place where people who were seen as outsiders could find a place to belong and be welcomed.
The church architects wanted to build a church that fit in with the feeling of the village of Gröbenzell. They chose a style that reflected the traditional rural churches of the region, with a high gable roof and a steeple in one corner. The interior of the church is a mix of rustic and contemporary touches, and the stained-glass windows feature illustrations from the Bible.
In recent years, the church has undergone a major renovation. The project cost more than a million euros, and it gave the Zachäuskirche a fresh new look, creating a brighter, more open atmosphere. The church is now a place where people can come to connect with their faith and to build community. You’ll notice the church’s new look as you walk through it. Take a few minutes to see the new elements that now make the Zachäuskirche a welcoming place for everyone.